burning at the stake

• Método histórico de ejecución en el que se ata a una persona a un poste de madera y se la quema viva, usado generalmente como castigo por herejía o brujería. En el uso moderno también puede significar metafóricamente someter a alguien a una dura crítica o castigo público.

A historical method of execution where a person is tied to a wooden stake and burned alive, typically used as punishment for heresy or witchcraft. In modern usage, it can also refer metaphorically to being severely criticized or punished publicly.

1. Execution by fireC1formal

   A historical method of execution where a person is tied to a wooden stake and burned alive, often used for heresy or witchcraft.

   muerte en la hoguera

   • Many accused witches were sentenced to burning at the stake.
   • The practice of burning at the stake was common in medieval Europe.
   • He was condemned to death by burning at the stake for his beliefs.

2. Severe criticism or punishmentC2informal

   Used metaphorically to describe being harshly criticized or punished publicly.

   quemar en la hoguera (figurado)

   • After the scandal, the politician was figuratively burned at the stake by the media.
   • The CEO was burned at the stake in the press for the company's failures.
   • He felt like he was being burned at the stake during the intense questioning.